Former Prime Minister Einar Repše Played a Werewolf and Called the Filming a 'Labor of Love' 0 16

Recently, the premiere of the unique rotoscopic animated feature film "God's Dog" by brothers Lauris and Raitis Abeles took place in Latvia, in which Einar Repše played one of the roles.

After participating in film festivals in Europe and America, the official Latvian contender for the American Academy Awards "Oscar" in the category of "Best International Film" has finally reached local cinemas. In the film, the role of the werewolf was played by the former head of the Bank of Latvia and ex-Prime Minister Einar Repše.

With Outstanding Work Ethic

"God's Dog" is created in the style of rotoscopic animation — where material shot with real actors is then redrawn frame by frame. "This is animation with live acting," says Lauris Abele, one of the film's directors, in an interview with Rīgas Viļņi magazine. "The actors' lines were not re-recorded but were captured right on the set. We, like in Hollywood or Superman movies, had actors working against a blue screen, and only then were they outlined on top."

Repše appeared in the series "Kolektīvs," and the Abeles brothers specifically invited him to audition for "God's Dog." They had been searching for an actor for the role of the werewolf for a long time — "we needed someone who matched the drawn sketches." At the audition, Repše surprised everyone: he got down on his knees and howled like a real werewolf. The filming crew notes his exceptional work discipline — he always came prepared, with a folder highlighting the necessary lines. Repše even read all the materials that the director usually sends to actors for role preparation. Usually, no one does this, but he read everything!

Can Afford More

For Repše, this is already the third role where he demonstrates his acting talent. He appeared in the series "Kolektīvs," then in "Nelūgtie viesi" ("Uninvited Guests"), and now — a debut in a feature film. Moreover, in one that Latvia is nominating for the "Oscar," following the example of "The Stream."

The ex-Prime Minister is very pleased that he can continue his acting career: "I have always been interested in cinema, but due to numerous other responsibilities, I didn't have time to engage in it before. Now I can afford more than I could in that busy work period."

When asked how he liked the film "God's Dog," which has plenty of explicit scenes and folkloric mischief, the former Prime Minister responds that he does not dare to analyze the content: "I am neither the screenwriter nor the director. As far as I know, the film has already received recognition at the international level and has also become the official Latvian candidate for the 'Oscar.' Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed! I find the film interesting; it was my first time filming in such a way. Of course, I must say that collaborating with the Abeles brothers was very creative and pleasant," says Repše.

Filming became a true labor of love for him, and Repše is awaiting offers from directors: "If there is an opportunity, I am ready to invest my efforts and thoroughly work on some character in a feature film. I would gladly take it on if there is interest and offers. This work is truly interesting to me, and it can no longer be called a hobby — it is a labor of love that has become a very serious undertaking for me.